MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded): How to apply?

Table of Contents

Do you dream of studying in Japan? The MEXT Scholarship 2026 can make that dream real! This special scholarship supports talented students from around the world. It covers many costs, so you can focus on learning and making new friends. It’s a big chance for your future.

The MEXT Scholarship provides support for various aspects. It pays for your school fees, living costs, and even your travel to Japan. You might also get money each month for food and other needs. This scholarship is for students getting their first university degree (Undergraduate), a Master’s, or a PhD. It also helps with special training. Japan’s top universities, like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, are known worldwide for being excellent places to learn.

Japanese universities help many students with money. For a Master’s or PhD, how much money you get can depend on your study area. PhD students often get money for several years by helping professors or teaching classes. With the MEXT Scholarship, all your costs are covered, so you don’t have to worry about money.

MEXT Scholarship Key Details

Academic Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Training Programs (like Teacher Training, Japanese Studies)
Host Institution: Japanese Universities (selected by MEXT based on your application and research area)
Location: Japan
Duration:
- Undergraduate: 4-5 Academic Years (including 1 year of Japanese language training if needed)
- Masters: 2-3 Academic Years
- PhD: 3-4 Academic Years
- Teacher Training: 1.5 Academic Years
- Japanese Studies: 1 Academic Year

MEXT Scholarship Coverage 2026

The MEXT Scholarship is fully funded. This means it covers almost everything you need.

100% Tuition Fees: You do not pay for your classes.
Monthly Stipend: You get money each month to help with living expenses. This is usually around 117,000 to 145,000 Japanese Yen for undergraduates and around 143,000 to 145,000 Japanese Yen for research students.
Travel Allowance: MEXT pays for your airplane tickets to Japan from your home country and back after you finish. This is for economy class.
Accommodation: While not always direct housing, the stipend helps cover living costs, and universities often have support for finding student housing or dorms.
No specific income thresholds for full coverage are generally stated for the MEXT scholarship, as it is a merit-based, fully funded award.

Also read: DAAD Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded): How to apply?

MEXT Scholarship Benefits

This scholarship gives you more than just money.

Financial support: This helps you focus on your studies without worrying about bills.
Exclusive Access: You might get to join special talks, learn from experts, and use amazing research tools. You can also meet many smart people from around the world, building a global network.
Boost Your Profile: Having the MEXT Scholarship on your resume shows you are a very good student. This can help you get great jobs or get into even better schools later. It’s a sign of academic excellence and international recognition.
Career and Academic Growth: After your studies, you will have special skills and knowledge. This can help you get good jobs, become a leader, or continue studying at top universities anywhere in the world. It helps with employability and future opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship 2026

To get the MEXT Scholarship, you must meet all the following rules:

You cannot be a Japanese citizen. You must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic ties with Japan.
English is the main language needed for the application process.
Students from all countries can apply.

For Undergraduate Students:

You must be between 17 and 25 years old.
You must have finished 12 years of school.

For Master’s or PhD Students:

You must be under 35 years old.
You must already have a college degree.

For Teacher Training Students:

You must be under 35 years old.
You need to have at least five years of experience as a teacher.

For Japanese Study Students:

You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
You must be a current undergraduate student studying Japanese language or culture in your home country.

Also read: Yale University Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded) for international students

How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2026?

Applying for the MEXT Scholarship is a step-by-step process. Most applicants apply through the Japanese Embassy in their home country (Embassy Recommendation).

Here is how you can apply for the MEXT Scholarship:

Find the Embassy: First, go to the website for the Japanese Embassy in your country.
Look for Scholarships: Find the “Education” or “Scholarship” section on their website. You will find the MEXT scholarship information there.
Get the Forms: Download and fill out the MEXT scholarship application form.
Send Your Documents: Submit all the required documents to your local Japanese Embassy.
Take a Test: The Embassy will give you a written test.
Do an Interview: If you pass the test, you will have an interview.
Wait to Hear Back: The Embassy will contact the successful applicants by email or on their website.

Application Deadlines: Deadlines are different for each country and specific program. It is very important to check the website of your local Japanese Embassy for the exact dates. The application cycle often opens around April for the following year’s intake.

Required Documents for MEXT Scholarship

To apply for the MEXT Scholarship, you must gather these documents. It’s a good idea to start collecting them early!

Application Form: The official MEXT Scholarship application form.
Your Highest Degree/Diploma: A copy of your most recent diploma. If it is not in English, you need a notarized English translation.
- For a Bachelor’s degree, you’ll need your high school diploma.
- For a Master’s degree, you’ll need your Bachelor’s degree.
- For a PhD, you’ll need your Master’s degree.
Academic Transcripts: A copy of your school records showing your grades.
Two Recommendation Letters: These letters should be written in English by a teacher, professor, or boss who knows your academic work.
Passport Scan: A copy of your passport’s information page (if you have one).
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your resume, which lists your education and experience.
Photos: Recent passport-style photographs.
Study Plan: A paper written in English explaining why you want to study in Japan and what you want to research.
English Language Proof: A document showing you can speak and write well in English. This could be a score from a test like TOEFL or IELTS, or a letter from your university if your classes were taught in English.
Academic Thesis/Publications: A copy of your past research or papers (if you have any).
Other Documents: Any other papers that are needed for your specific program.
Submit Application: Send all your documents to the Japanese Embassy in your country by their deadline.